The Institute of Data Science at Maastricht University, the Netherlands, is looking for a post-doctoral researcher to work on the application of computer science to food and agriculture.

The post-doctoral researcher will join Professor Christopher Brewster to work on two EC funded projects concerned with the application of data science in food and agriculture:

• The H2020 Eureka project concerns the integration of data from a large number of previously funded multi-actor approach projects in the agriculture domain. Here we are focussed on extending the FAIR principles to different domains of research;
• The Erasmus Plus funded project, Agtech 7, concerns the development of agrifood entrepreneurs showing the application and utility of data science and a variety of cutting edge information technologies for the agrifood sector (agritech producing data including precision agriculture, IoT, crop models, remote and proximate sensors, blockchain technologies).

The two projects involve a large number of partners across Europe and provide an excellent environment to develop skills in participating in international research projects and the development of collaboration networks.

The successful candidate will work on research questions concerning how data can be used effectively and constructively to support agricultural practice, and more generally the food system, especially in the context of rapidly changing technologies (both hardware and software), climate breakdown and biodiversity collapse. She/he will work with a network of research collaborators in the areas of data science, agronomy and climate science, in addition to the inter-disciplinary team within the Institute of Data Science. The main activities initially will focus on the application and extension of the FAIR principles to the use and distribution of data in the agrifood domain. Due to the focus of the two projects, the position lies at the intersection of data science (semantics, data standards, metadata, access control), agronomy (precision agriculture), and environmental/climate science.

Beyond the direct responsibilities within the funded projects, we expect the researcher to develop their own research agenda and shape their own research objectives within the broader space of the application of data science to food and agriculture. We expect the postdoctoral researcher to contribute cutting-edge research in this area, and more specifically, to produce and present academic publications in top-tier conferences/journals, liaise with academic and industrial partners, and work with other researchers in the field. Full support will be given by the research group and Professor Brewster for the career development of the researcher. The Institute provides a highly collaborative and collegial environment, and as a recently founded group, the researcher will have the opportunity to contribute to the development of a dynamic and evolving research community.

• A PhD in Computer Science (or a closely related field); or a PhD in agriculture or environmental science related topic (with a demonstrable expertise in computer science and information technology);
• Ability to program in Python, Java or Java Script;
• An existing research and publication record;
• Fluent command of English, both oral and in writing;
• Ability to work independently;
• Willingness to acquire new skills and come up with new approaches.

Please note candidates should be willing to work at Maastricht University (either living within commutable distances or willing to relocate). Without being necessary, experience in semantics, data management, FAIR principles or agritech are all considered a plus.

• 38 hours per week;
• We offer a one year 1.0 fte appointment as a post-doctoral researcher starting 1st January 2020. Assuming successful evaluation the post will be extended for a further two years. The Institute of Data Science is a dynamic growing research group and offers considerable aopportunities for professional growth to early-career researchers;
• The salary is competitive, depending on qualifications and work experience. It will be on Maastricht salary scale 10 or 11 (between €2709 and a maximum of €4978  per month), based on a full-time appointment (38 hours/week). On top of this, there is an 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% end of the year allowance;
• We offer an attractive package of fringe benefits such as, reduction on collective health insurance, substantial leave arrangements, optional model for designing a personalised benefits package, sport facilities which staff may use at a modest charge and application for attractive fiscal arrangements for employees from abroad;
• The terms of employment of Maastricht University are set out in the Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities (CAO). Furthermore, local UM provisions also apply. For more information look at the website http://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl > Support > UM employees;
• We offer a rewarding career at a young university in the heart of Europe, with a distinct global perspective and a strong focus on innovative research and education;
• We provide a stimulating, collaborative and interdisciplinary work environment with excellent opportunities for professional and personal development;
• Maastricht University has an excellent international reputation, and Maastricht itself is a beautiful, open-minded city located in the centre of Western Europe.

Maastricht University

Maastricht University is renowned for its unique, innovative, problem-based learning system, which is characterized by a small-scale and student-oriented approach. Research at UM is characterized by a multidisciplinary and thematic approach, and is concentrated in research institutes and schools. Maastricht University has around 18,000 students and 4,300 employees. Reflecting the university's strong international profile, a fair amount of both students and staff are from abroad. The university hosts 6 faculties: Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Faculty of Law, School of Business and Economics, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience.

Data Science Community @ Maastricht University

Data Science@Maastricht University is a pioneering, university-wide network of data-driven researchers with more than 25 years’ experience in data science education and research. Our community consists of multidisciplinary teams that address significant scientific problems and major societal issues through and related to data science including social, legal and ethical concerns in a wide range of academic disciplines. The Data Science@ UM community is expanding with at least 15 new positions in 2019.

Institute of Data Science

The Institute of Data Science at Maastricht University (IDS@UM) is a recently established center led by distinguished professor Michel Dumontier. The mission of the Institute of Data Science is to foster an interfaculty environment for collaborative innovation in the development and application of data science technologies. IDS consists of a core team of data science experts that cooperate closely with researchers across disciplines such as medicine, life sciences, law, agriculture, social sciences and humanities, business and economics, knowledge engineering and smart services.